Managua, November 23 (RHC)-- The National Autonomous University of Nicaragua has awarded an honorary posthumous doctorate to Cuban Revolution leader Fidel Castro.

Cuba's Ambassador to Nicaragua Juan Carlos Hernández received the distinction from University Dean Octavio Guevara Villavicencio during a ceremony at the university to pay tribute to Fidel on the first anniversary of his death, November 25th. The Cuban diplomat thanked university professors and students on behalf of the Cuban government and people.

Dean Guevara Villavicencio said the posthumous honor was in recognition of Fidel's invaluable contribution to humanity, particularly in human resources development, healthcare, education, politics and culture.

He further said, Fidel Castro embodies the principles of 'nationalism, internationalism and solidarity.'

Cuba and Nicaragua have long maintained strong friendship and cooperation relations, and share common positions at international forums on regional and international issues. Both countries are members of regional integration mechanisms like the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our Americas (ALBA), the Community of Latin American and Caribbean State (CELAC), the PetroCaribe oil energy agreement and the Sao Paulo Social Forum.